http://mcdowellmtnvet.com/

(480) 419-6300

Written by: Carol Kaplan to be seen in the next addition of Helene’s Newsletter. Or you can go online to view it at: http://www.mmr-homes.com/newsletters_current.asp?type=Current

The hospital, which is located behind the CVS Drugstore in the Windgate Crossing Center (on the NW corner of Thompson Peak Parkway and Bell Road), is a full service clinic providing all phases of medicine – routine care, surgery, dental, hospitalization, full diagnostic lab and in-house testing, radiology, pharmacy, ophthalmology, dermatology, bathing, medical boarding and ER services – for dogs, cats and an array of “pocket pets” (i.e. rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs and ferrets).

As you might imagine, the facility is absolutely state-of-the-art and even includes a neo-natal ICU, ultra sound equipment and digital dental x-ray machinery.

The chief caregiver is Dr Caroline “Casey” Magargle. Dr. Casey (as she prefers to be called) has an extensive medical background for someone so young. Indications are that began her practice at age 4 by bandaging all her stuffed animals and establishing a recovery ward in her bedroom. By age 14, she elected to build on that experience by working in the kennels of local veterinary and that exposure pretty much “locked in” her career path.

hospitals

The next step was ASU where she graduated summa cum laude with a pre-veterinary major. From there she proceeded to obtain a degree from the highly respected Veterinary Medical School at Colorado State University and followed that with an internship in ultrasound technology. Over the next five years she honed her skills at a very nice animal hospital in south Scottsdale while working toward her long term goal —establishing a practice of her own here in North Scottsdale where she lives with her husband, Todd, and three rescue animals — two cats and a dog.

Given that the hospital has just debuted, it was extremely reassuring to discover that it is already well on its way to accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association. This organization evaluates hospitals based on quality of care, the diagnostic skills of the staff and the availability of cutting edge technology. The guidelines for receiving this accreditation are so strict that thus far, only 19% of the hospitals in the country have actually qualified.

Still, technical competence is only one part of the picture. Compassion and customer service are just as important and we’re please to say that  Dr. Casey and her staff offer gentle, compassionate care and the kind of personal attention we wish were available everywhere.

Not only will you be recognized and welcomed when you walk in but the doctor always makes it a point to speak with you directly regardless of the reason for your visit. She believes that getting to know pets and their parents on a personal level is a key element in providing proper care.

Appointments are generally a 1/2 hour, and every effort is taken to minimize anxiety and pain for animals — without resorting to physical restraints. Dr Casey firmly believes that pets do not heal as effectively if they are nervous or in pain.

Why not stop by and get acquainted with Dr. Casey and her very professional staff.

In fact, bring your furry friends and let them check out the facility as well. After all, families should make these kind of care decisions collectively. Incidentally, the hospital even has a behaviorist/trainer on call who will be offering both general classes and one-on-one sessions with clients.

McDowell Mountain
Animal Hospital

http://mcdowellmtnvet.com/

(480) 419-6300

As I was driving around McDowell Mountain Ranch this past month, I could not but help notice the abundance of wildlife running around. It is not uncommon for me to see coyotes, rabbits, bobcats, and once even a mountain lion! As recently as this week, there was a man on the news who lost 3 of his 4 dogs to a coyote attack in his own backyard. This all got me thinking about the safety and security of your four legged loved ones and prompted me to do some research. Here is what I found from the Arizona Game and Fish Department:

• Coyotes have adapted to living in cities, suburbs and rural towns.  They live in our neighborhoods and do not just  “come down from the mountain to have a snack.”

• If one appears in your backyard or while walking your pet you should try and appear as large and as threatening as possible moving your arms and legs around.

• It is suggested that you keep a “coyote shaker” in your backyard near the door. This is a soda can with pennies or rocks in it sealed with duct tape. When shaken it makes a loud rattle and will scare a coyote off.

Discourage them from your yard by:

-eliminating any sources of food

-store garbage in a secure place

-keep bird seed and water off the ground.

- have an 8ft of higher fence. Coyotes can easily jump 6 ft.

• When outside with your pets – supervise your dog or cat at all times. Coyotes and other wildlife will not hesitate to take your pet while you are with it or even when it is on a leash. NEVER let your pet off the leash! (besides – it is a law!)

• Do not let your cat or small dog outside. Even if there is not a coyote present, owls, hawks and other wildlife have been known to prey on these types of animals.

• Having a coyote in your neighbor’s yard is the same as having one in yours. Be extra careful if there is an attack in your neighborhood. Coyotes remember and come back for more.

• Fence your garden to keep out javelina and rabbits because they serve as prey for species such as mountain lions.

• Shrubbery should be trimmed from the ground up.

This information has been provided to you by Danielle Vasta, Owner of Bella’s House & Pet Sitting. Please contact her at: (480)330-4552 or www.BellasHouseAndPets.com for any of your pet sitting needs!

Just last month as I was driving around McDowell Mountain Ranch doing my morning visits, I spotted a small terrier mix sprinting around the neighborhood. It was only 9AM, but it was already at least one hundred degrees outside. I stopped my car and did the trick of, “Here little buddy! Do you want a  treat?” He came to me and I checked the blue collar around his neck for identification.  There was nothing there. Just a collar. I scooped the little guy up put him in my air conditioned car and drove him to Dr. Sosnow at North Scottsdale Animal Hospital (that office is great!) We scanned the little guy for a mico chip and he didn’t have one. So now I had a dog who’s owner I did not know and I was not about to surrender it to Animal Control. 

This type of situation happens all of the time.  If you are one of Bella’s House & Pet Sitting clients, chances are you have heard our speech about ID YOUR PET! Accidents happen, that is why we have car and health insurance. If your door ever opens in your home, or you take your pet for a walk, then there is a possibility that your pet will escape. Without proper identification, your chances of finding them are slim.

If your pet escapes:

-          Wildlife could harm or kill your pets if they get loose.

-          Someone may be bold enough to just keep your pet and assume you don’t want it. I have heard some stories!

-          Your pet could end up with Animal Control. If you do not go to the facility every day to check to see if your pet turned up, they could put your pet down after the third day!!! Did you know that Arizona pet overpopulation is so bad that 75% of sheltered animals are put down! (Don’t buy, adopt a pet!)

Luckily this story ended happily. When I found the dog, I contacted the Debbie the activities director and she put a bulletin on the community TV Channel. The owner walked in the office just a few minutes later looking for “Smokey” and the owner and pet were happily reunited.  Please consider this a serious warning about IDing your pets. Not all stories end happily.

This information has been provided to you by Danielle Vasta, Owner of Bella’s House & Pet Sitting. Please contact her at: (480)330-4552 or www.BellasHouseAndPets.com for any of your pet sitting needs!